OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Metropolitan Council Meeting Summary: September 1, 2026

Metropolitan Council — Tuesday, September 1, 2026
BodyNashville, Tennessee
SessionMetropolitan Council
DateTuesday, September 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:43:47

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

We we get twenty-five percent of the savings, the customers get seventy-five percent.

0:04

So you can save for the time.

5:26

Good evening, everyone.

5:28

Today is September the 1st, 2026.

5:32

And I want to open by acknowledging that this meeting is being held on the unceded stolen land of the Cherokee, Shiny, and Yuchi people.

5:42

And so remind everyone that no one is illegal on stolen land built by Stolen Labor.

5:48

We're going to open up our announcement period first before we go into our presentations.

5:53

And at about 620, we're going to go into the presentations to give other uh council members that are still in committee uh opportunity to join us for their presentation.

6:02

Today we will be honoring the life and legacy of a giant Ms.

6:07

Vonda McDaniel.

6:08

And as we know, since our last council meeting, uh, we lost another giant, um, the one that only Miss Dolly Pardon.

6:16

We will have a lay file resolution um today that will be considered before the body.

6:21

And while we all know those names, I want to lift up two additional names of community members that we lost since our last meeting.

6:30

This is really serious, and I would really appreciate if people kind of locked in for this.

6:35

Um, we're talking about people's lives here.

6:38

Um 16-year-old Cameron Fearson was um fatally shot on Harman Street near 25th Avenue on Friday, August the 21st, after walking home from a football game.

6:49

Um, no parents should have to bury their child when they are being out in the community.

6:54

Um anyone that has information about this murder is being asked to call crime stoppers at 615-742-7463.

7:03

Callers can remain anonymous and do qualify for a cash reward.

7:08

Also, on yesterday, the Nashville community lost a community leader, uh, Mr.

7:12

Jason Gooch, who was killed Monday in a motorcycle crash.

7:16

Uh, Mr.

7:16

Gooch worked for the Parks Parks Department for 15 years as a recreational leader at the Hartman Community Center, and our hearts go out um to their families.

7:26

So I just wanted to take a moment to um speak their names and to make sure that um their memories are being honored.

7:34

So thank you all so much for that moment.

7:36

Um, I'm gonna go ahead and open up the floor for our announcement period.

7:40

Uh first in queue, we have council member Bradford.

7:43

Council member, you're recognized.

7:44

Thank you, Pro Tim.

7:45

Um, just an announcement for residents district 13.

7:48

Because of an event happening the third Saturday of this month, I've bumped up office hours to the second Saturday.

7:54

So that would be September the 12th from 9 to 11 at the Duncan Donuts on Broadway Parkway.

7:59

So again, second Saturday is my office hours this month.

8:02

I'll go ahead and announce too that next month I'm moving office hours to the second Saturday as well.

8:07

Um so let so residents district 13 who want to come to my office hours.

8:10

They're gonna be the second Saturday of September and October.

8:13

Thank you.

8:14

Thank you, Councilmember Bradford.

8:16

Next we have Councilmember Allen.

8:17

Councilmember Allen, you're recognized.

8:19

Thank you, Madam Chair.

8:20

I just want to uh make sure that everyone is aware of the Jan Bushing Bridge dedication ceremony this Saturday, September 5th at 1245.

8:28

That will be enough time to uh wipe the sweat off your brow from the Labor Day parade uh and head to my neighborhood to honor a longtime neighborhood leader and state representative.

8:38

Um she was instrumental in uh making sure that the neighborhood um had full input into the building of I 440.

8:47

And uh the bridge goes over I 440 at Woodlawn, and we'll be standing there um dedicating that bridge to her honor.

8:54

So I hope uh the council members and neighbors will join me alike at uh 1245 on Saturday, September 5th.

9:00

Thank you.

9:02

Thank you so very much.

9:03

Uh Councilmember Vaux, you're recognized.

9:06

Thank you so much, Pro Tim.

9:07

There's a lot happening in District 17, and I just want to bring attention to um next week on September 8th, the Chestnut Hill Neighborhood Association will be having their um bi-monthly meeting at 6 30 p.m.

9:20

at Hall Pass Vintage.

9:22

And then next Thursday, um, I'm gonna be hosting a uh District 17 Town Hall.

9:28

We have a new music venue opening the truth.

9:30

So if people are interested in learning about um what the neighborhood impact and traffic plan will be, that will be at Live Nation at 6 30 p.m.

9:39

And I just want to invite everyone um to the Nashville Fair.

9:42

It starts next Friday, September 11th through the 20th at the fairgrounds.

9:46

Everyone is invited in our community, and if you are an MMPS student, you get free um tickets, and that has already been worked through.

9:54

So thank you all so much, and uh hope to see you next week.

9:57

Thank you, Councilmember Vaux.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████████31%
Planning and Zoning██████████10%
Zoning and Land Use█████████9%
Cultural Heritage████████8%
Governance Structure███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Miscellaneous████4%
Public Safety████4%
Community Engagement██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Metropolitan Council Meeting Summary: September 1, 2026

The Metropolitan Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Metropolitan Courthouse, following a 6:00 p.m. announcement period. Thirty-five members were present and six were absent during the meeting, which lasted several hours. The agenda included elections, appointments, public hearings on zoning and policy changes, and votes on numerous resolutions and ordinances. Notable outcomes included the election of Councilmember Olivia Hill as President Pro Tempore, the approval of a resolution requesting to rename Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International Airport, and the passage of the Vanderbilt Innovation District Specific Plan zoning after amendments.

Consent Calendar

  • RS2026-2225 through RS2026-2256 (except items removed): Approved unanimously (31-0), including grants for victim witness coordinators, broadband readiness, youth homelessness, and police technology; PILOT agreements for affordable housing projects (Fallbrook, Skyline Ridge, Encore on Buena Vista, Five String Flats, Trinity Community Housing); cooperative purchasing agreements; encroachment agreements; sewer infrastructure acceptances; and a settlement of a personal injury claim for $125,000.
  • BL2026-1513 through BL2026-1535 (second reading items): Passed unanimously, including ordinances authorizing the Metropolitan Housing Fund Commission to extend affordable housing grants, rounding cash payments, annual reporting for TIF loans, updating driver permits for entertainment vehicles, clarifying solid waste fees, amending encroachment rules, approving a solar services agreement for the Juvenile Justice Center, and various easement and sewer infrastructure acceptances.
  • BL2026-1499 through BL2026-1503 (third reading items): Passed unanimously (31-0), including a permanent easement to the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority, software maintenance for the library system, a conservation easement for a greenway trail along the Cumberland River, and sewer main abandonments/acceptances.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Miriam Mims (Blair Boulevard resident, past Hillsboro-West End neighborhood chair) spoke in support of the Vanderbilt Specific Plan (BL2026-1446), citing increased tree canopy (175%), green space (300%), multimodal routes (3 miles), lowered building heights, and bird-safe glass amendments. She noted six former neighborhood chairs supported the plan.
  • Joseph Johnston (property owner at 2815 Belmont Boulevard) opposed the Vanderbilt development, raising concerns about financing, tax base impact, and the developer's history. He submitted public records requests and an appellate court decision.
  • Samira Hardcastle (former Teacher of the Year, Blue Ribbon Teacher) requested the council establish an education committee for oversight and mandate a full audit of Metro Nashville Public Schools, citing alleged withheld pay, fabricated grades, and uncertified staff.
  • Stephanie Johnson (resident, 95 Counties organization) criticized Councilmember Terry Vo for lack of response regarding efforts to honor Ambrose Grundy, a formerly enslaved man buried in Vo's district, and urged responsiveness.
  • Charles Couture (Midtown Business Improvement District representative) supported BL2026-1521 (FY2027 MBID budget), emphasizing a comprehensive deep clean and beautification initiative for sidewalks, public spaces, and litter removal.
  • Sherry Lynn Maby and Dustin Manner (property owners at 178 2nd Avenue North) spoke in favor of short-term rental exemptions (RS2026-2222 and RS2026-2223), noting their units were affected by the 2020 Christmas Day bombing and subsequent permit issues, and argued the location is part of the entertainment district, not a family park.
  • Micah McCormick (neighbor) opposed BL2026-1511 (rezoning at 4465 LaVergne Couchville Pike), citing tree clearing after Planning Commission approval and concern that R10 zoning could allow significantly more units than the advertised single-family home.
  • Rev. James Clay (board member, National Baptist Convention) requested a deferral on BL2026-1467 (Baptist World Center medical facility) to allow the convention president to meet with the sponsor and development team.

Discussion Items

Resolutions on Public Hearing

  • RS2026-2222 and RS2026-2223 (short-term rental exemptions at 178 2nd Avenue North): Public hearing held with support; adopted 27-0 each.

Bills on Public Hearing (Zoning and Policy Changes)

  • BL2025-1149 (transportation infrastructure analyses): Withdrawn by sponsor, who will replace it with BL2026-1526.
  • BL2026-1386 (Ridgeview UDO amendment): Withdrawn.
  • BL2026-1400/1401 (Cane Ridge Road, 68 multi-family units): Deferred to October 6, 2026 public hearing.
  • BL2026-1422 (863 Argle Avenue, R8-A): Passed on second reading after public hearing with one speaker in support.
  • BL2026-1425/1426 (Hamilton Church Road, 24 multi-family): Passed on second reading; no public comment.
  • BL2026-1433 (day care definitions update): Deferred to October 6, 2026.
  • BL2026-1467 (Baptist World Center, medical uses): Public hearing held with support from the developer (Ben Denin) and opposition from Rev. James Clay; passed on second reading with Council Member Bradford abstaining. Sponsor committed to meeting with opponents before third reading.
  • BL2026-1481 (County Hospital Road, R10): Deferred to October 6, 2026 due to notice issue.
  • BL2026-1504/1505 (Buena Vista Pike, 12 multi-family): Passed on second reading; no public comment.
  • BL2026-1506/1507 (Old Hickory Boulevard, habitat for humanity development): Passed on second reading with Council Member Parker abstaining; no public comment.
  • BL2026-1508/1509 (Meridian Street, mixed-use): Passed on second reading; no public comment.
  • BL2026-1510 (1232-1250 3rd Avenue South, mixed-use): Passed on second reading as amended (adding Planning Commission conditions), with a unanimous voice vote for the amendment and final passage.
  • BL2026-1511 (LaVergne Couchville Pike, R10): Public hearing held with opposition; sponsor initially moved to approve but after discussion about potential for 21 lots under R10, moved to defer to September 15, 2026 for further community conversations.
  • BL2026-1512 (Loftin Avenue, RM20-A-NS): Passed on second reading; no public comment.

Late Resolutions (Rules Suspended)

  • RS2026-2260 (Honoring the life and legacy of Dolly Parton): Adopted 33-0 after suspension of rules; all affirmative members listed as cosponsors.
  • RS2026-2261 (Requesting MNAA to rename Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International Airport): Adopted 33-0 after suspension of rules and previous question; all affirmative members listed as cosponsors.

Bills on Second Reading (Not on Consent)

  • BL2026-1450 (Online extremist content initiative): Deferred two meetings to October 6, 2026, after suspension of rules to allow a two-meeting deferral per committee recommendation.
  • BL2026-1452 (Opioid settlement funds accountability): Passed on second reading as substituted, with a substitute that focuses on transparency requirements (public plan, dashboard, performance indicators, annual report) rather than creating a new committee.
  • BL2026-1514 (Annual employee surveys): Deferred one meeting per Rule 8.1 after committee recommendation.
  • BL2026-1521 (FY2027 Midtown BID budget): Passed on second reading, with Council Member Porterfield abstaining.
  • BL2026-1523 (Centennial Park Conservancy agreement): Passed on second reading.
  • BL2026-1524 (Greenway conservation easement at 92 White Bridge Pike): Passed on second reading.
  • BL2026-1525 (Greenway conservation easement at 329 Ben Allen Road): Passed on second reading.
  • BL2026-1526 (Cumulative transportation analysis tool): Deferred two meetings to October 6, 2026.
  • BL2026-1533 (Whites Creek Estates utility improvements): Deferred one meeting to September 15, 2026, per Council Member Kimbrough's request for more information.

Bills on Third Reading (Not on Consent)

  • BL2026-1445 (Cancelling PUD at 2609 West End Avenue): Passed 30-0-1 (Capp abstaining).
  • BL2026-1446 (Vanderbilt Innovation District Specific Plan): Passed 30-0-1 (Capp abstaining) after adopting two amendments: Amendment 1 (height reductions) and Amendment 2 (bird-safe glass requirements). Sponsor noted the project is a 30-year plan.
  • BL2026-1447 (Building material restrictions for Vanderbilt SP): Passed 30-0-1 (Capp abstaining) after adopting the same bird-safe glass amendment.
  • BL2026-1493 (Tourist accommodation tax changes): Passed 27-2-1 (Evans-Segall and Parker opposed; Kimbrough abstained).
  • BL2026-1498 (Drones as first responder and surveillance technology): Passed 27-3-1 (Hancock, Webb, Eslick opposed; Styles abstained).

Key Outcomes

  • Elections: Matt Wiltshire (Health and Educational Facilities Board), Jourdan Parenteau and Jing Geng (MACC at-large), Brandon Dyce (MACC nonprofit seat), Councilmember Russ Bradford (MACC non-voting member), and Councilmember Olivia Hill (President Pro Tempore for a term ending August 31, 2027).
  • Confirmations: Angie Gleason (MBID), Michael Montgomery and Erika Wollam Nichols (Nashville Entertainment Commission), and Councilmembers Burkley Allen and Russ Bradford (Solid Waste Region Board) all confirmed unanimously.
  • Appointments deferred: Several Community Corrections and Convention Center appointees were deferred one meeting or re-referred for interviews.
  • Nominations: Christy Borthick nominated for Human Relations Commission; election set for October 6, 2026.
  • Resolutions adopted: Hazard Mitigation Grant for Fairgrounds generators (33-0), NDOT/MBID appropriation ($5,720,989, 30-0-1), grant for adult-sized changing table at Southeast Library branch (30-0-4), and in-kind grant for McCabe Park plaque (30-0-4).
  • Memorial resolutions: Adopted for Catherine Dominy and former Councilmember Jamie D. Isabel, with all affirmative members listed as cosponsors.
  • Late resolutions: Unanimously adopted to honor Dolly Parton and request airport renaming; council members noted widespread community support.
  • Zoning approvals: Multiple rezonings and specific plans passed second or third reading, including the major Vanderbilt Innovation District SP after extensive neighborhood negotiation.
  • Deferrals: Several bills were deferred for further discussion, including an online extremism initiative, a rezoning on LaVergne Couchville Pike, and a cumulative transportation analysis tool.

Meeting Transcript

We we get twenty-five percent of the savings, the customers get seventy-five percent. So you can save for the time. Good evening, everyone. Today is September the 1st, 2026. And I want to open by acknowledging that this meeting is being held on the unceded stolen land of the Cherokee, Shiny, and Yuchi people. And so remind everyone that no one is illegal on stolen land built by Stolen Labor. We're going to open up our announcement period first before we go into our presentations. And at about 620, we're going to go into the presentations to give other uh council members that are still in committee uh opportunity to join us for their presentation. Today we will be honoring the life and legacy of a giant Ms. Vonda McDaniel. And as we know, since our last council meeting, uh, we lost another giant, um, the one that only Miss Dolly Pardon. We will have a lay file resolution um today that will be considered before the body. And while we all know those names, I want to lift up two additional names of community members that we lost since our last meeting. This is really serious, and I would really appreciate if people kind of locked in for this. Um, we're talking about people's lives here. Um 16-year-old Cameron Fearson was um fatally shot on Harman Street near 25th Avenue on Friday, August the 21st, after walking home from a football game. Um, no parents should have to bury their child when they are being out in the community. Um anyone that has information about this murder is being asked to call crime stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers can remain anonymous and do qualify for a cash reward. Also, on yesterday, the Nashville community lost a community leader, uh, Mr. Jason Gooch, who was killed Monday in a motorcycle crash. Uh, Mr. Gooch worked for the Parks Parks Department for 15 years as a recreational leader at the Hartman Community Center, and our hearts go out um to their families. So I just wanted to take a moment to um speak their names and to make sure that um their memories are being honored. So thank you all so much for that moment. Um, I'm gonna go ahead and open up the floor for our announcement period. Uh first in queue, we have council member Bradford. Council member, you're recognized. Thank you, Pro Tim. Um, just an announcement for residents district 13. Because of an event happening the third Saturday of this month, I've bumped up office hours to the second Saturday. So that would be September the 12th from 9 to 11 at the Duncan Donuts on Broadway Parkway. So again, second Saturday is my office hours this month. I'll go ahead and announce too that next month I'm moving office hours to the second Saturday as well. Um so let so residents district 13 who want to come to my office hours. They're gonna be the second Saturday of September and October. Thank you. Thank you, Councilmember Bradford. Next we have Councilmember Allen. Councilmember Allen, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to uh make sure that everyone is aware of the Jan Bushing Bridge dedication ceremony this Saturday, September 5th at 1245. That will be enough time to uh wipe the sweat off your brow from the Labor Day parade uh and head to my neighborhood to honor a longtime neighborhood leader and state representative. Um she was instrumental in uh making sure that the neighborhood um had full input into the building of I 440. And uh the bridge goes over I 440 at Woodlawn, and we'll be standing there um dedicating that bridge to her honor. So I hope uh the council members and neighbors will join me alike at uh 1245 on Saturday, September 5th. Thank you. Thank you so very much. Uh Councilmember Vaux, you're recognized. Thank you so much, Pro Tim.

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